Riyadh: Shifa Al Jazeera Star and Rukkie's Tea Rimal sailed into the semifinals in group 'A' final league matches of the 5th Keli Football Tournament at Al Asima Stadium Riyadh on Friday. Star defeated Royal Travels Rainbow 1-0 while Rimal beat Digitec Corniche AlKhobar 2-1.
Captain Shameer Wandoor, who was later adjudged the man-of-the-match, scored the winning goal from a spot kick in the 15th minute of the second half to help Star snatch full three points and enabled his team to top group 'A' with an all-win record.
In the other match, needing just a draw, Rimal struggled to subdue a fighting Corniche Al Khobar. Rimal's first goal was, however, a gift from Corniche defender Shameer, trying to clear a cross from the right by Shanavas, misdirected his shot into the goal. Into the second half, Corniche was a different team, with a series of delightful moves, but alertness of Rimal keeper Mujeeb prevents to get the ball into the goal. Rimal increased the lead in the 20th minute of the second half through Riyas. In the dying minutes of the game Corniche earned a spot kick. Jafer made no mistake from the spot.
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Saturday 23 May 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.